Rehabilitation and Human Services

Mission Statement: The RHS major trains students interested in improving quality of life for persons impacted by disabilities.

RHS professionals work with a variety of people across the lifespan who experience problems in psychosocial, physical, mental, educational, vocational, and recreational aspects of their lives. Examples of client groups RHS professionals work with include people with mental, cognitive, developmental, addiction, sensory, and/or physical disabilities and chronic illness; people experiencing violence; people living in poverty; and people who are homeless.

RHS students learn a variety of professional skills, including advocating for others; assessing client needs; conducting educational and related support groups; consulting with professionals from other agencies and settings; developing client treatment plans; identifying and using community resources; interviewing clients and family members; managing client caseloads; and resolving conflicts. Graduates work in a variety of settings including community mental health programs, group homes, schools, drug and alcohol programs, hospitals and medical settings, corrections facilities, and rehabilitation centers.


About a third of RHS alumni go on to graduate school to study in a variety of fields including counseling (e.g., mental health, school, rehabilitation, addictions), psychology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

Video Transcripts

1. Rehabilitation Services (pdf)

2. The Professors (pdf)

3. Career Opportunities (pdf)

4. Rewarding Experiences (pdf)